Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the fast-food sector within the South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $28,340. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially lower cost of labor. The specific economic landscape of this nonmetropolitan region plays a significant role in shaping compensation for these essential service roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,340 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,020.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Fast Food in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area appears moderately robust, with a total local workforce of 680 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 1.4 indicates a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a steady demand within the region for fast-food service professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earns-9.0%below the national average.
$13.6
$545
$2,362
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food have experienced incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This gradual upward trend is typical for service industry roles, aiming to keep pace with the cost of living and attract a consistent labor pool.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding accumulated skills, efficiency, and potentially leadership capabilities within the fast-food environment.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,500 | $9.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,255 | $10.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,490 | $13.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,425 | $17 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,020 | $16.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,340
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,340
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $28,340 in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively equivalent to the national average, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
680
Total Jobs
6.063
Per 1K Jobs
1.4
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.40, South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.4, South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a concentration of Cooks, Fast Food positions that is 40% higher than the national average. This suggests a competitive market where employers may need to offer competitive wages or benefits to attract and retain skilled workers, or conversely, that the demand for these roles is significantly elevated in this region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $32,030↑ 13% | 29 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,560↓ 6% | 67 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $28,160↓ 1% | 73 mi |
| Decatur, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $27,020↓ 5% | 83 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,310↓ 11% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $28,340. This typically ranges from $20,500 for entry-level positions to $35,020 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 9.0% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, it is not considered particularly lucrative.The average salary of $28,340 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, the lower nominal wage limits earning potential compared to other regions.
Is South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($32,030) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Fast Food in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $28,340, which is $2,790 less than the national average of $31,130.
What is the concentration of fast-food cooks in this area?
The Location Quotient is 1.4, indicating that fast-food cooks are 40% more concentrated in this region than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $28,340 salary has the same purchasing power locally as the national average salary does nationally.
What does the total workforce number suggest?
With 680 Cooks, Fast Food employed locally, it indicates a substantial presence of this occupation within the region's service industry.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 680 employees in the South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 6.063 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area